Harinder Singh

Senior Fellow, Research & Policy

Harinder Singh is the Senior Fellow at the Sikh Research Institute. He holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University, an MS in Engineering Management from the University of Kansas, and an MPhil from Punjab University in the linguistics of the Guru Granth Sahib. 

He co-founded the Sikh Research Institute and the Panjab Digital Library, envisioned the Kaur and Singh Academy, and organized the Free Akal Takht campaign.

He appears on radio and television programs and speaks at universities, parliaments, museums, conferences, and civic institutions. He has authored several books and numerous articles integrating the political and the spiritual. He consults on curriculums, exhibitions, and films and is featured in many documentaries on the Sikhs, the Panjab, and South Asian matters.

His current focus is on developing critical thinking for Sikh institutions via the State of the Panth report series and developing open-source decoding of Guru Granth Sahib in contemporary Panjabi and English for a global audience.

He has served on the National Conference on Community and Justice boards, The Fellowship of Activists to Embrace Humanity, The Nanakshahi Trust, among others. He looks for culturally-specific things to experience and a light roast pour-over coffee to sip during travels, reads and binge-watches to stay in touch with what the world is up to, and listens to sabads, poetry, Hir, jazz, and political rap.

Harinder Singh resides with his family in the United States.

Videos

Tuesday
,
26
December
2023

What does “Sikh” mean?

When we look at the two meanings as they existed at the time (in Sanskrit and in Pali) and incorporate them into what we now call Sikhi, it actually means learners who are of the Guru. Guru is a mentor, Guru in Sikhi is Perfection.

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Tuesday
,
12
December
2023

Sikhi: Personal Practice & Public Responsibility

Join us for an inspiring talk on the profound connection between personal Sikhi practice and our collective responsibilities in today's world.

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Monday
,
4
December
2023

Why do Sikhs have unique customs and traditions?

As community development commenced with Guru Nanak, protocols were introduced to establish an organization, emphasizing the necessity for governance and unity within any community.

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Monday
,
27
November
2023

Mul Mantar

Embark on a transformative journey with Harinder Singh as he unravels the profound wisdom of Guru Nanak Sahib, exploring the Mul Mantar—the Innovation. Discover the attributes of IkOankar, the 1, and the concrete path to lasting security.

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Monday
,
20
November
2023

What does "Chardi Kala" mean?

If you want to follow the ideas in the house of Guru Nanak Sahib, then it is Nam; it is identifying with that force, identifying with that One, that produces what? Chardi Kala, which is Rising Power. You rise.

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Tuesday
,
31
October
2023

1984 Genocide: Relentless Pursuit of Justice in Indian Courts

Harinder Singh’s conversation covers a range of themes with Mr. Harvinder Singh Phoolka from Sikh, Panjabi, Indian, and International perspectives.

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Podcasts

Monday
,
6
November
2017

"First, Allah created Light. All beings are of Creation”

First, Allah1 created Light. All beings are of Creation.The entire universe was created from One Light—Who’s good, who’s bad? 1. O! People, O! Brother,doubt not, forget not.Creator, Creation,Creator within Creation,totally permeating all spaces. 1. Reflect Creator created many forms from one clay.Flawless is the clay pot, flawless is the Potter. 2. Within all is the same Eternal One.All things occur because of the One.Call that person the Banda,2who recognizes Hukam3 and knows the One. 3. Allah is imperceptible, cannot be perceived,Guru granted sweet jaggery-perception.Kabir says: My doubt destroyed,seeing Immaculate everywhere. 4. Bhagat Kabir ji in Rag Prabhati | Guru Granth Sahib 1349 1. The God in Arabic.2. Divines’ Own being.3. Literally, Order or Divine Will. Sikhi: To be in harmony with the Divine. ਪ੍ਰਭਾਤੀ ॥ ਅਵਲਿ ਅਲਹ ਨੂਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਬੰਦੇ ॥ਏਕ ਨੂਰ ਤੇ ਸਭੁ ਜਗੁ ਉਪਜਿਆ ਕਉਨ ਭਲੇ ਕੋ ਮੰਦੇ ॥੧॥ਲੋਗਾ ਭਰਮਿ ਨ ਭੂਲਹੁ ਭਾਈ ॥ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਖਲਕ ਖਲਕ ਮਹਿ ਖਾਲਿਕੁ ਪੂਰਿ ਰਹਿਓ ਸ੍ਰਬ ਠਾਂਈ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ਮਾਟੀ ਏਕ ਅਨੇਕ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਾਜੀ ਸਾਜਨਹਾਰੈ ॥ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਮਾਟੀ ਕੇ ਭਾਂਡੇ ਨਾ ਕਛੁ ਪੋਚ ਕੁੰਭਾਰੈ ॥੨॥ਸਭ ਮਹਿ ਸਚਾ ਏਕੋ ਸੋਈ ਤਿਸ ਕਾ ਕੀਆ ਸਭੁ ਕਛੁ ਹੋਈ ॥ਹੁਕਮੁ ਪਛਾਨੈ ਸੁ ਏਕੋ ਜਾਨੈ ਬੰਦਾ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਈ ॥੩॥ਅਲਹੁ ਅਲਖੁ ਨ ਜਾਈ ਲਖਿਆ ਗੁਰਿ ਗੁੜੁ ਦੀਨਾ ਮੀਠਾ ॥ਕਹਿ ਕਬੀਰ ਮੇਰੀ ਸੰਕਾ ਨਾਸੀ ਸਰਬ ਨਿਰੰਜਨੁ ਡੀਠਾ ॥੪॥੩॥

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Tuesday
,
12
December
2017

Sikh Cast Ep63 - "Ignorance-era is the carafe”

Sabad is Infinite; we are very finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow, as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

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Tuesday
,
19
December
2017

Enticer Enticed My Mind

The Sabad opens with the Guru's profound declaration of being a "maiden-slave" of the Divine Ruler, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication.

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Tuesday
,
26
December
2017

Reflect on the Truth and the Contentment

Sabad is Infinite; we are very finite. This is our understanding at the moment, which was different yesterday and may evolve tomorrow, as we deepen our relationship with the Sabad.

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Tuesday
,
28
August
2018

Words of Faith - Ik Oankar

IkOankar (1Force, The One, Divine, Creator) is Guru Nanak Sahib’s offering to humanity, and the opening of the Guru Granth Sahib.

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Tuesday
,
28
August
2018

Words of Faith - Har

Did you know that "Har" is the most used word in Guru Granth Sahib?

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Articles

Friday
,
1
March
2019

Akal Takht Sahib: Timeless Sovereign Throne

Akal Takht Sahib (Timeless Throne Sovereign) commands the worldly moral authority of the Sikhs, functioning as the institutional manifestation of the Miri-Piri (Political-Spiritual) doctrine as envisioned by the Gurus.

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Thursday
,
20
September
2018

Gurduara: A Sikh Place of Learning

The Gurduara is considered to be the heart of the Sikh community. Throughout all components of the Gurduara, the teachings of the Gurus must be visible in both abstract heights and concrete realities.

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Monday
,
5
February
2018

Anand Karaj: The Sikh Marriage

The Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage ceremony) is one of the life stages outlined with specific sentiments and ceremonies for Sikhs. Its procedures have received increased attention in recent years as a major community issue.

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Tuesday
,
24
October
2017

Who is a Sikh?

As the global Sikh population expands in size and complexion, the definition of a Sikh becomes increasingly important to support and shape the community. This study sets out to establish an understanding of how to conceptualize who is a Sikh.

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Wednesday
,
25
March
2020

COVID-19: A Sikh Perspective & Response

COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything for everyone. There are those who are serving the need of the hour, and there are those who are serving their own needs, that’s just how things have always been. Allow me to share the Sikh ethos as a reminder:

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Sunday
,
8
March
2009

Woman: Gateway to Freedom

“The whole Guru Grantha is the voice of a wedded women or a maiden pining in love of the Beautiful. Her nobleness in Guru Grantha is infinite, her freedom is of the highest. Both man and woman as sexes are forgotten in her voice.

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Presenting at Upcoming Events

Sun
,
Jun 8

June: Shahadats from 1606 to 1984

Illinois Sikh Community Center, Wheaton Gurdwara

Shahadats in Sikh History: Harinder Singh will explore martyrdoms from 1606 to 1984, delving into the causes behind them and how they are commemorated.

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Sun
,
Jun 8

Guru Granth Sahib: Making the Wisdom Accessible

Illinois Sikh Community Center, Wheaton Gurdwara

Join Harinder Singh and Prof. Mohanbir Singh Sawhney for an enriching presentation and Q&A in Chicago.

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Sat
,
Jul 12

Vanjara: From Worldly Trader to Spiritual Seeker

Khalsa School, Glen Rock Gurudwara

This presentation explores Guru Ramdas Sahib’s Vanjara, situating it within its cultural framework and lived experience. We will reflect on the composition's foundational themes and their relevance to our daily...

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